I had Brittany Nelson for N320 clinical. Brittany is a gem. She notices the person. Brittany gives attentive eye contact and listens attentively to patients, staff, peers and faculty alike. There are 2 patient experiences I would like to share to illuminate Brittany’s Caring, Advocating, and Leading strengths.

First Patient: First thing in the morning, on her first day of patient care on PCU, Brittany noticed her patient was anxious and scratched deeper into that patient priority. She had learned he was Spanish speaking only and he had a Cyracom/Blue phone at the bedside that was not used at bedside report. Brittany felt that he was anxious because he did not understand what was being asked of him and planned for him. She came to her instructor and asked for help using the Cyracom phone with the patient to communicate effectively with her patient using a Spanish translator. She used that Cyracom phone/translator for all her communications with the patient that day and the patient no longer appeared stressed. At the end of the clinical day, with the patient's permission, Brittany then invited her peers to come into the patient room and demonstrated the use of the Cyracom phone. This leadership will help her peers use the Cyracom for their patients with English as a second language or non-English speaking: take down the barrier of lack of familiarity with the technology.

Second Patient: A second patient, at the end of the term asked to give kudos about her to the UD and the supervising faculty. He praised Brittany for her skillful human touch, and wrote a note reflecting his praise of Brittany. Here is the patient letter: “To whom it may concern, I had the privilege of being taken care of by Brittany Nelson (student nurse). During my hospitalization. I’ve worked extensively in sales, customer service, and management. I’ve become very aware of and observant of customer service over my career and when I experience excellent care, I feel it should be recognized. Brittany more than checked the box for me. She was very attentive, focused and caring, accommodating, and very competent. She is head and shoulders above all. I have no doubt she will be successful at being a nurse or doctor, or anything else she pursues. She is a quality person (who is consistent, professional, and focused on patients). This is the first time I have ever written a (recommendation before), which after 53 years should tell you something about Brittany."

Hooray for Brittany! These stories about Brittany demonstrate her Caring, Advocating, and Leading. I believe she deserves The DAISY in Training Award. Thank you.